Thank you for visiting Snap-on Diagnostics Product Forums.You are currently NOT logged in to a registered account. Some functions of Snap-on Diagnostics Product Forums will not be available to you if your are not logged in as a registered member. For a limited time only, registrationto Snap-on Diagnostics Product Forums to Snap-on Diagnostics Product Forums is !! FREE !! Select the **REGISTER NOW** link to register for your FREE Snap-on Diagnostics Product Forums account!!

I have many questions on the MT2500 scanner 'brick' i think? But will keep it simple at first as i apparently know not-much about it, but know i need it... Make sense?

Anyway, I just bought a used mt2500 scanner (backlit ver 2.2, 'brick' i think?) off of ebay... A few hours ago. Seller isn't even shipping until the AM... Regardless. After reading a few posts here looking for upgrade info i find that Snapon is not going to support the mt2500 any longer???... Dope! I guess the mt2500 is old but so are my vehicles, so maybe i'll be ok... Let's see!

I guess my first question is... Will the 'brick' support my two 99's with the latest software/firmware/eproms, cartridge, etc. updates? I would think so?

2nd question may have to wait until i get it unless someone can briefly explain the update/upgrade process, or point me to the right thread to get it? The scanner has the GM reference manual, but not sure if that will tell me how to upgrade

3rd - What would be the cartridges needed for my 99's to completely cover any fixes... (Primary, T/S, Transmission, OBDII)? Can you list the correct part numbers for me please? The scanner didn't come with any

Added vehicle info:
- 99 Chevy Blazer ZR2, 4.3, auto, 115k miles, no current codes, but i have seen the P0452 code a few times, but has not came back in 2 weeks after clearing. The fuel pump was changed over 1.5 years ago, SFI to MFI swap about 6 months ago.
- 99 Chevy Astro 4.3 auto, rear heat and a/c 126k miles, current DTC code P0420, I only recently changed the coil due to the sparking coming from the coil/top where the plug slides on

Well i think that should be it for now...

For what it's worth - I really have no need for the newer, more expensive scanners simply because i have a tremendous urge to keep older 'chevy' vehicles running and not spend my hard earned money on a newer scanner as i don't plan on making a living with it.

Sorry for the long post, but i think i just need some help getting started with this new (old) toy.

After you get them they HAVE TO be programmed through your S.O. dealers "scanbay" to your latest update. Think it is 8.4 it will then cover all domestic / some asian. They also have Euro that is available that can be put onto the cartridges too. Updates come with current personality keys too.

**Save ALL of your old red cartridges too. Due to memory capability the updates take up alot of the memory and will "drop" coverage years off the end. (older vehicle year coverage will be lost)

If you only plan to work on those two cars, you can get the model year specific red cartridges for that year. If any updates to the software occurred after they were released you will not get them. You would be best served by finding the newest cartridges you can. What did you get for your money? How many cables, adapters, and keys? Do you know what version cartridges you got? The red ones are dated on the label.

This is what i got with the scanner... Seems to be in really great shape and hopefully i got my moneys worth.

I only seem to have the Generic OBDII MT2500-46 and the K-2 key(domestic??) that will connect to my 99 chevys. The readout reads: "Disconnect Power. Insert Cartridge", so i dont see a way to confirm the version yet, nor if the backlight works... Any way to check this without a cartridge??

The scanner has the 9vdc on the side, and a rj11 connection on the top of it.

My thoughts exactly.... but I will have the 2 cartridges i listed above, tuesday of next week. They are coming from the same seller.

Is there a way to check the scanners software/firmware or does that all reside in the cartridges only? I mean if this states version 2.2 then how do i confirm that?

Also, is there a way to verifiy that the backlight works... the manuals seem to point out backlight setting when you have the battery pack connected, but nothing about the 9vdc being able to use the backlight?

The two cartridges you have should do you just fine. Any further updates will require new cartridges. 2.2 is the latest version of the scanner body so you will be fine there. The backlight will work when you get hooked up to a cars 12V system or a battery pack. That is to save the 9V. When the cartridges arrive, just plug and play.

Update: Everything seems to work on the scanner.... I do have the v2.2 scanner and the backlight works. The mt25001001 and the 2901 cartridges seems to work fine as well, but when trying to check the engine functions the scanner wants the K-9 key inserted in the OBDII connector, so....

I got the k-9 key today in the mail and seems to be ready for use.... KOOL!!!

Once i poke around with it for awhile i'm sure i'll be back with more questions. However, I do have two more ?'s on this post....

Is there a specific GM manual that tells you what the factory settings for a given vehicle are supposed to be to allow comparisons????

and

I have the GM PROM Reference Manual 1999 on the way, but i thought i read somewhere that the year on the cover is for the previous year vehicle... Makes sense but is that true, and if it is will i need a 2000 manual for my 99's?

I have many questions on the MT2500 scanner 'brick' i think? But will keep it simple at first as i apparently know not-much about it, but know i need it... Make sense?

Anyway, I just bought a used mt2500 scanner (backlit ver 2.2, 'brick' i think?) off of ebay... A few hours ago. Seller isn't even shipping until the AM... Regardless. After reading a few posts here looking for upgrade info i find that Snapon is not going to support the mt2500 any longer???... Dope! I guess the mt2500 is old but so are my vehicles, so maybe i'll be ok... Let's see!

I guess my first question is... Will the 'brick' support my two 99's with the latest software/firmware/eproms, cartridge, etc. updates? I would think so?

2nd question may have to wait until i get it unless someone can briefly explain the update/upgrade process, or point me to the right thread to get it? The scanner has the GM reference manual, but not sure if that will tell me how to upgrade

3rd - What would be the cartridges needed for my 99's to completely cover any fixes... (Primary, T/S, Transmission, OBDII)? Can you list the correct part numbers for me please? The scanner didn't come with any

Added vehicle info:
- 99 Chevy Blazer ZR2, 4.3, auto, 115k miles, no current codes, but i have seen the P0452 code a few times, but has not came back in 2 weeks after clearing. The fuel pump was changed over 1.5 years ago, SFI to MFI swap about 6 months ago.
- 99 Chevy Astro 4.3 auto, rear heat and a/c 126k miles, current DTC code P0420, I only recently changed the coil due to the sparking coming from the coil/top where the plug slides on

Well i think that should be it for now...

For what it's worth - I really have no need for the newer, more expensive scanners simply because i have a tremendous urge to keep older 'chevy' vehicles running and not spend my hard earned money on a newer scanner as i don't plan on making a living with it.

Sorry for the long post, but i think i just need some help getting started with this new (old) toy.

Any input truely appreciated!

Thanks

I really need some repair manual about this. Can anyone tell me about the difference between VCI/TCI Cartridges? Do they really differ that much?

Reminder: Your participation in these areas of the site is solely at your own risk. The
information is only the opinion of the poster, is no substitute for your own research,
and should not be relied upon for business critical decisions or any other purpose.
Never assume that you are anonymous and cannot be identified by your posts.
We reserve the right to discontinue any users' use of any such public forum
for any reason. Please read the Terms of Service.